Pub Date : 2023-04-19DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-02-2022-0021
S. Saad, Ramin Bahadori, Chandan Bhovar, Hongwei Zhang
Purpose This paper aims to analyse the current state of research to identify the link between Lean Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies to map out different research themes, to uncover research gaps and propose key recommendations for future research, including lessons to be learnt from the integration of lean and I4.0. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted to thematically analyse and synthesise existing literature on Lean Manufacturing–I4.0 integration. The review analysed 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals. Findings In total, five main research themes were identified, and a thematic map was created to explore the following: the relationship between Lean Manufacturing and I4.0; Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 implication on performance; Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 framework; Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 integration with other methodologies; and application of I4.0 technologies in Lean Manufacturing. Furthermore, various gaps in the literature were identified, and key recommendations for future directions were proposed. Research limitations/implications The integration of Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 will eventually bring many benefits and offers superior and long-term competitive advantages. This research reveals the need for more analysis to thoroughly examine how this can be achieved in real life and promote operational changes that ensure enterprises run more sustainably. Originality/value The development of Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 integration is still in its infancy, with most articles in this field published in the past two years. The five main research themes identified through thematic synthesis are provided in the original contribution. This provides scholars better insight into the existing literature related to Lean Manufacturing and I4.0, further contributing to defining clear topics for future research opportunities. It also has important implications for industrialists, who can develop more profound and richer knowledge than Lean and I4.0, which would, in turn, help them develop more effective deployment strategies and have a positive commercial impact.
{"title":"Industry 4.0 and Lean Manufacturing – a systematic review of the state-of-the-art literature and key recommendations for future research","authors":"S. Saad, Ramin Bahadori, Chandan Bhovar, Hongwei Zhang","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-02-2022-0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-02-2022-0021","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to analyse the current state of research to identify the link between Lean Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies to map out different research themes, to uncover research gaps and propose key recommendations for future research, including lessons to be learnt from the integration of lean and I4.0.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted to thematically analyse and synthesise existing literature on Lean Manufacturing–I4.0 integration. The review analysed 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000In total, five main research themes were identified, and a thematic map was created to explore the following: the relationship between Lean Manufacturing and I4.0; Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 implication on performance; Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 framework; Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 integration with other methodologies; and application of I4.0 technologies in Lean Manufacturing. Furthermore, various gaps in the literature were identified, and key recommendations for future directions were proposed.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The integration of Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 will eventually bring many benefits and offers superior and long-term competitive advantages. This research reveals the need for more analysis to thoroughly examine how this can be achieved in real life and promote operational changes that ensure enterprises run more sustainably.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The development of Lean Manufacturing and I4.0 integration is still in its infancy, with most articles in this field published in the past two years. The five main research themes identified through thematic synthesis are provided in the original contribution. This provides scholars better insight into the existing literature related to Lean Manufacturing and I4.0, further contributing to defining clear topics for future research opportunities. It also has important implications for industrialists, who can develop more profound and richer knowledge than Lean and I4.0, which would, in turn, help them develop more effective deployment strategies and have a positive commercial impact.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44590574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-01-2023-0004
Efthalia Keramida, Evangelos L. Psomas, Katerina Gotzamani
Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between Lean adoption and organizational performance in a specific Greek public services subsector, namely, citizen’s service centers (CSCs). Design/methodology/approach An online structured questionnaire survey was distributed to all the Greek CSCs, and 672 employees responded and fully completed the questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to assess the measurement model’s reliability and validity. The relationships between the latent constructs were examined through structural equation modeling. Findings The study revealed that Greek CSCs adopt at a medium to high extent the following principles: understanding customer needs, establishment of value streams, creating flows within the value streams and value perfection. The data also revealed a valid latent factor reflecting the Lean application, namely, “Lean adoption,” which, according to the findings, contributes to the organizational performance of Greek CSCs. Research limitations/implications The small percentage of the responding employees of the Greek CSCs, given their large population and the subjective nature of the data collected, constitute the main limitations of the present study. Practical implications The findings of this research will serve as a reference source for managers and decision-makers of CSCs in order for them to set the foundations for successfully adopting the Lean principles and therefore improve their organizational performance in terms of operational performance and satisfaction with employees and citizens. Originality/value Building on the public sector literature, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the adoption of Lean principles in the Greek CSCs and defines the relationships between Lean adoption and organizational performance.
{"title":"The impact of Lean adoption on organizational performance in a public service: the case of the Greek citizen’s service centers","authors":"Efthalia Keramida, Evangelos L. Psomas, Katerina Gotzamani","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-01-2023-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-01-2023-0004","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between Lean adoption and organizational performance in a specific Greek public services subsector, namely, citizen’s service centers (CSCs).\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000An online structured questionnaire survey was distributed to all the Greek CSCs, and 672 employees responded and fully completed the questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to assess the measurement model’s reliability and validity. The relationships between the latent constructs were examined through structural equation modeling.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The study revealed that Greek CSCs adopt at a medium to high extent the following principles: understanding customer needs, establishment of value streams, creating flows within the value streams and value perfection. The data also revealed a valid latent factor reflecting the Lean application, namely, “Lean adoption,” which, according to the findings, contributes to the organizational performance of Greek CSCs.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The small percentage of the responding employees of the Greek CSCs, given their large population and the subjective nature of the data collected, constitute the main limitations of the present study.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The findings of this research will serve as a reference source for managers and decision-makers of CSCs in order for them to set the foundations for successfully adopting the Lean principles and therefore improve their organizational performance in terms of operational performance and satisfaction with employees and citizens.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Building on the public sector literature, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the adoption of Lean principles in the Greek CSCs and defines the relationships between Lean adoption and organizational performance.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47862753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-13DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-02-2022-0022
Evangelos L. Psomas, Efthalia Keramida, N. Bouranta, D. Kafetzopoulos
Purpose In times of strong global competition and worldwide economic downturn, there is an imperative need for public services organizations to reform and improve their quality. These organizations can base their improvement efforts on Lean philosophy. The purpose of this study is to assess the employees’ perceived degree of adoption of Lean principles by public services organizations in Greece. Determining the differences in the perceptions of groups of employees with regard to the adoption of Lean principles by public organizations is also an aim of the study. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was published online, inviting employees of Greek public services organizations to assess the degree of Lean adoption by their organizations, specified on the basis of general principles. A total of 1,022 employees completed the structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess the degree of adoption of Lean principles by public organizations. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U Test and Kruskal–Wallis Test were also applied to determine whether there are statistically significant differences in the perceptions of groups of employees with regard to the adoption of Lean principles by public organizations. Findings According to the perceptions of employees, Greek public organizations adopt Lean principles to a high extent. However, there is room for further improvement in the degree to which Lean is adopted. Statistically significant differences are observed in the perceptions of groups of employees from different sized organizations, hierarchical levels, skill sets and service subsectors, with regard to the degree of adoption of Lean principles by their organizations. Research limitations/implications The employees of the public sector who were invited to respond to the survey through social media, the subjective nature of the data collected and the fact that this is a country-specific study constitute the main limitations of the present study, based on which future studies can be designed. Practical implications By determining the strong and weak points of the adoption of Lean principles by Greek public services organizations, suitable managerial initiatives can be undertaken by these organizations to fully adopt Lean, eliminate waste and enhance quality management. Social implications Understanding and improving the current status of the adoption of Lean principles by Greek public organizations will influence the services provided to the citizens in terms of time, quality and delivery. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which provides insights, based on employees’ perceptions, into the adoption of Lean by the public services sector.
{"title":"The adoption of Lean in the Greek public sector. An employee perspective","authors":"Evangelos L. Psomas, Efthalia Keramida, N. Bouranta, D. Kafetzopoulos","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-02-2022-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-02-2022-0022","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000In times of strong global competition and worldwide economic downturn, there is an imperative need for public services organizations to reform and improve their quality. These organizations can base their improvement efforts on Lean philosophy. The purpose of this study is to assess the employees’ perceived degree of adoption of Lean principles by public services organizations in Greece. Determining the differences in the perceptions of groups of employees with regard to the adoption of Lean principles by public organizations is also an aim of the study.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A questionnaire survey was published online, inviting employees of Greek public services organizations to assess the degree of Lean adoption by their organizations, specified on the basis of general principles. A total of 1,022 employees completed the structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess the degree of adoption of Lean principles by public organizations. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U Test and Kruskal–Wallis Test were also applied to determine whether there are statistically significant differences in the perceptions of groups of employees with regard to the adoption of Lean principles by public organizations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000According to the perceptions of employees, Greek public organizations adopt Lean principles to a high extent. However, there is room for further improvement in the degree to which Lean is adopted. Statistically significant differences are observed in the perceptions of groups of employees from different sized organizations, hierarchical levels, skill sets and service subsectors, with regard to the degree of adoption of Lean principles by their organizations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The employees of the public sector who were invited to respond to the survey through social media, the subjective nature of the data collected and the fact that this is a country-specific study constitute the main limitations of the present study, based on which future studies can be designed.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000By determining the strong and weak points of the adoption of Lean principles by Greek public services organizations, suitable managerial initiatives can be undertaken by these organizations to fully adopt Lean, eliminate waste and enhance quality management.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000Understanding and improving the current status of the adoption of Lean principles by Greek public organizations will influence the services provided to the citizens in terms of time, quality and delivery.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which provides insights, based on employees’ perceptions, into the adoption of Lean by the public services sector.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47877234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-12DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-05-2023-231
F. Pakdil, G. Can, Pelin Toktaş
{"title":"Guest editorial: Lean Six Sigma developments in Türkiye","authors":"F. Pakdil, G. Can, Pelin Toktaş","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-05-2023-231","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-05-2023-231","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47154167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-06DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-01-2023-0012
Luiz Philipi Calegari, Barkokebas R.D., D. Fettermann
Purpose The evolution of e-health technologies presents promising alternatives for health-care excellence. Despite the benefits arising from mobile e-health (m-health) and wearables technologies, the literature stands many contradictories signs regarding how users accept and engage in using these technologies. This study aims to synthesize the estimations about m-health user acceptance technologies. Design/methodology/approach A meta-analytic structural equation modeling was carried out using the 778 relationships estimated by 100 previous research. The estimations follow the relations and constructs proposed in the UTAUT2 technological acceptance model. Findings The results indicate the performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and habit constructs are most important for predicting the behavioral intention of use of m-health technologies. The Latin American users of e-health technologies are still underestimated in the literature. Originality/value The study presents a guide to understanding the acceptance process of m-health technologies and delivers a general orientation for developing new m-health devices considering their acceptance by users.
{"title":"A meta-analysis of a comprehensive m-health technology acceptance","authors":"Luiz Philipi Calegari, Barkokebas R.D., D. Fettermann","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-01-2023-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-01-2023-0012","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The evolution of e-health technologies presents promising alternatives for health-care excellence. Despite the benefits arising from mobile e-health (m-health) and wearables technologies, the literature stands many contradictories signs regarding how users accept and engage in using these technologies. This study aims to synthesize the estimations about m-health user acceptance technologies.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A meta-analytic structural equation modeling was carried out using the 778 relationships estimated by 100 previous research. The estimations follow the relations and constructs proposed in the UTAUT2 technological acceptance model.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The results indicate the performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and habit constructs are most important for predicting the behavioral intention of use of m-health technologies. The Latin American users of e-health technologies are still underestimated in the literature.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study presents a guide to understanding the acceptance process of m-health technologies and delivers a general orientation for developing new m-health devices considering their acceptance by users.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42949863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-04DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-06-2022-0132
V. Yadav, Mahender Singh Kaswan, Pardeep Gahlot, Rajkumar Duhan, J. Garza‐Reyes, R. Rathi, Rekha Chaudhary, Gunjan Yadav
Purpose The main purpose of this study is to explore different aspects of the Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) approach, application status and potential benefits from a comprehensive review of the literature and provide an avenue for future research work. This study also provides a conceptual framework for GLSS. Design/methodology/approach To do a systematic analysis of the literature, a systematic literature review methodology has been used in this research work. From the reputed databases, 140 articles were identified to explore hidden aspects of GLSS. Exploration of articles in different continents, year-wise, approach-wise and journal-wise was also done to find the execution status of GLSS. Findings This study depicts that GLSS implementation is increasing year by year, and it leads to considerable improvement in all dimensions of sustainability. Enablers, barriers, tools and potential benefits that foster the execution of GLSS in industrial organizations are also identified based on a systematic review of the literature. Originality/value The study’s uniqueness lies in that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that depicts the execution status of GLSS, and its different facets, explores different available frameworks and provides avenues for potential research in this area for potential researchers and practitioners.
{"title":"Green Lean Six Sigma for sustainability improvement: a systematic review and future research agenda","authors":"V. Yadav, Mahender Singh Kaswan, Pardeep Gahlot, Rajkumar Duhan, J. Garza‐Reyes, R. Rathi, Rekha Chaudhary, Gunjan Yadav","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-06-2022-0132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-06-2022-0132","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The main purpose of this study is to explore different aspects of the Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) approach, application status and potential benefits from a comprehensive review of the literature and provide an avenue for future research work. This study also provides a conceptual framework for GLSS.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000To do a systematic analysis of the literature, a systematic literature review methodology has been used in this research work. From the reputed databases, 140 articles were identified to explore hidden aspects of GLSS. Exploration of articles in different continents, year-wise, approach-wise and journal-wise was also done to find the execution status of GLSS.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000This study depicts that GLSS implementation is increasing year by year, and it leads to considerable improvement in all dimensions of sustainability. Enablers, barriers, tools and potential benefits that foster the execution of GLSS in industrial organizations are also identified based on a systematic review of the literature.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study’s uniqueness lies in that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that depicts the execution status of GLSS, and its different facets, explores different available frameworks and provides avenues for potential research in this area for potential researchers and practitioners.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43032199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-03DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-06-2022-0144
S. Bhat, J. Antony, Maher Maalouf, Gijo E.V., Souraj Salah
Purpose This paper aims to unearth the essential components of Six Sigma for successful deployment and sustainment of service quality in four different organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). More specifically, the paper is intended to determine the motivation to apply Six Sigma, Voice of Customer, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Critical-to-Quality (CTQ), readiness factors, Critical Success Factors, sustainment measures, tools and techniques used, challenges/barriers and performance impact on the company. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research methodology with multiple case study analyses was adopted to determine the answers to the research objectives. Four case studies from different service processes of four companies were analyzed. The case studies were collated from these companies via a case study protocol with pre-defined criteria. Findings The analysis shows that service operation improvement projects are primarily dependent on the voice of the internal customer, with return on investment in savings as the KPI of the process. Most organizations prefer cycle time and errors as the CTQs in the Six Sigma projects. Even novice users can effectively apply the Six Sigma methodology with external experts’ assistance, mentoring and interventions. Across the case studies, it is observed that the projects were successfully deployed due to the support of top management leadership, effective communication and cross-functional teams. Employee resistance to change is the common barrier observed during the case study analysis. Eventually, in all the four case studies, Six Sigma is executed with standard tools and techniques within the define, measure, analyze, improve, control (DMAIC) approach. Research limitations/implications The present study’s findings cannot be generalized due to the limited number of case study analyses in different ecosystems in the UAE. The authors would like to analyse and report more case studies in service quality improvement through the Six Sigma methodology to comprehend and develop a generic roadmap for the deployment of Six Sigma in the UAE service industry. Practical implications The study’s findings provide insights into commonalities and differences between the essential factors of Six Sigma deployment and sustainability in UAE companies. Originality/value The study results might help the policymakers and key decision makers in UAE and other countries understand the effectiveness of Six Sigma in service quality improvement with its essential factors for deployment.
{"title":"Applications of six sigma for service quality enhancement in the UAE: a multiple case study analysis and lessons learned","authors":"S. Bhat, J. Antony, Maher Maalouf, Gijo E.V., Souraj Salah","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-06-2022-0144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-06-2022-0144","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to unearth the essential components of Six Sigma for successful deployment and sustainment of service quality in four different organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). More specifically, the paper is intended to determine the motivation to apply Six Sigma, Voice of Customer, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Critical-to-Quality (CTQ), readiness factors, Critical Success Factors, sustainment measures, tools and techniques used, challenges/barriers and performance impact on the company.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000An exploratory research methodology with multiple case study analyses was adopted to determine the answers to the research objectives. Four case studies from different service processes of four companies were analyzed. The case studies were collated from these companies via a case study protocol with pre-defined criteria.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The analysis shows that service operation improvement projects are primarily dependent on the voice of the internal customer, with return on investment in savings as the KPI of the process. Most organizations prefer cycle time and errors as the CTQs in the Six Sigma projects. Even novice users can effectively apply the Six Sigma methodology with external experts’ assistance, mentoring and interventions. Across the case studies, it is observed that the projects were successfully deployed due to the support of top management leadership, effective communication and cross-functional teams. Employee resistance to change is the common barrier observed during the case study analysis. Eventually, in all the four case studies, Six Sigma is executed with standard tools and techniques within the define, measure, analyze, improve, control (DMAIC) approach.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The present study’s findings cannot be generalized due to the limited number of case study analyses in different ecosystems in the UAE. The authors would like to analyse and report more case studies in service quality improvement through the Six Sigma methodology to comprehend and develop a generic roadmap for the deployment of Six Sigma in the UAE service industry.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The study’s findings provide insights into commonalities and differences between the essential factors of Six Sigma deployment and sustainability in UAE companies.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study results might help the policymakers and key decision makers in UAE and other countries understand the effectiveness of Six Sigma in service quality improvement with its essential factors for deployment.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45909039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-03-29DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-09-2022-0202
Rouhollah Khakpour, Ahmad Ebrahimi, S. Saghiri
Purpose This paper aims to propose a stepwise method to improve the sustainability of manufacturing processes. Design/methodology/approach The proposed approach is based on an extensive literature review and research around the environmental, economic and social pillars of sustainability in manufacturing firms. Considering the lean approach, the manufacturing processes are mapped in a value stream and analyzed through the extensive identified sustainability criteria. Findings The findings reveal the consumption and waste of natural and nonrenewable resources, through going beyond the existing boundaries and focusing on relevant derived production pieces and tracing to their origins. The findings also present the effect of the time value of money on sustainability by using the cost–time profile as a sustainability criterion. This research finds out the employees’ impacts on sustainability improvement through an effective focus on technical, cultural and personal aspects. Practical implications The research outcomes provide operations managers and decision-makers in the field of sustainability with a practical platform to comprehend and assess the factors contributing to the manufacturing process sustainability and to plan relevant corrective actions accordingly. Originality/value The extended view of sustainability criteria in this research as well as its visual-analytical approach will help practitioners to assess and improve sustainability in their operations in a more holistic way.
{"title":"How to assess and improve the triple bottom line (TBL) in manufacturing processes: a real case in home appliance manufacturing","authors":"Rouhollah Khakpour, Ahmad Ebrahimi, S. Saghiri","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-09-2022-0202","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-09-2022-0202","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to propose a stepwise method to improve the sustainability of manufacturing processes.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The proposed approach is based on an extensive literature review and research around the environmental, economic and social pillars of sustainability in manufacturing firms. Considering the lean approach, the manufacturing processes are mapped in a value stream and analyzed through the extensive identified sustainability criteria.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings reveal the consumption and waste of natural and nonrenewable resources, through going beyond the existing boundaries and focusing on relevant derived production pieces and tracing to their origins. The findings also present the effect of the time value of money on sustainability by using the cost–time profile as a sustainability criterion. This research finds out the employees’ impacts on sustainability improvement through an effective focus on technical, cultural and personal aspects.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The research outcomes provide operations managers and decision-makers in the field of sustainability with a practical platform to comprehend and assess the factors contributing to the manufacturing process sustainability and to plan relevant corrective actions accordingly.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The extended view of sustainability criteria in this research as well as its visual-analytical approach will help practitioners to assess and improve sustainability in their operations in a more holistic way.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45131406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-03-28DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-12-2021-0213
Yasemin Akbulut, A. Usubütün, Fatih Durur, Gamze Kutlu
Purpose The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the application of the lean methodoloy in the pathology laboratory and to evaluate the results on the turnaround time. Design/methodology/approach This study was a prospective intervention study formed of the three stages of pre-intervention, determination of problem areas and the application of lean techniques and quality improvement. The study was conducted between February 2019 and August 2020. In the first stage, research was made through interviews, observations, questionnaires and seminars; in the second stage, observations, brain-storming, process flowcharts and fishbone diagram were used; and in the third stage, Kaizen, A3 method and spaghetti diagram were applied. Findings Following the application of lean techniques, turnaround time in the pathology laboratory was decreased, and the changes made in the working methods and placement of the units in the laboratory were found to have prevented unnecessary steps. The lean method was also determined to have had positive effects on the workplace satisfaction of the laboratory employees and of the physicians working with the laboratory. Originality/value The results showed that applying lean techniques could reduce waste and increase participation in processes. This article demonstrates its originality and relevance by proving that the lean techniques can be applied in the hospital laboratory. Actions to improve turnaround time are also crucial for the efficient use of resources.
{"title":"Reducing turnaround time in a pathology laboratory using the lean methodology","authors":"Yasemin Akbulut, A. Usubütün, Fatih Durur, Gamze Kutlu","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-12-2021-0213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-12-2021-0213","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the application of the lean methodoloy in the pathology laboratory and to evaluate the results on the turnaround time.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This study was a prospective intervention study formed of the three stages of pre-intervention, determination of problem areas and the application of lean techniques and quality improvement. The study was conducted between February 2019 and August 2020. In the first stage, research was made through interviews, observations, questionnaires and seminars; in the second stage, observations, brain-storming, process flowcharts and fishbone diagram were used; and in the third stage, Kaizen, A3 method and spaghetti diagram were applied.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Following the application of lean techniques, turnaround time in the pathology laboratory was decreased, and the changes made in the working methods and placement of the units in the laboratory were found to have prevented unnecessary steps. The lean method was also determined to have had positive effects on the workplace satisfaction of the laboratory employees and of the physicians working with the laboratory.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The results showed that applying lean techniques could reduce waste and increase participation in processes. This article demonstrates its originality and relevance by proving that the lean techniques can be applied in the hospital laboratory. Actions to improve turnaround time are also crucial for the efficient use of resources.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41865658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-03-07DOI: 10.1108/ijlss-08-2022-0192
Wen Zhang, Guohui Chen, Qiguo Gong
Purpose This paper aims to systematically understand the development of rapid setup, quantitatively analyze the landscape and reveal new trends and challenges. Design/methodology/approach Based on 192 literature studies (1987–2021) collected from Scopus and Google Scholar, the papers are classified by: publication time and source; research type and data analysis of papers; pattern of authorship and country; sector-wise focus of the paper; improvement method used in the setup. And CiteSpace is used to analyze the cooccurrence and timeline of keywords. Findings There has been substantial progress in the past 35 years, including the rapid growth in the number of papers, the expansion in different disciplines, the participation of developing countries, the application in the service industry and the significant impact of setup on cost. And there are still some deficiencies. Research limitations/implications There is concern that Google Scholar lacks the quality control needed for its use as a bibliometric tool. Future work is encouraged to conduct an in-depth discussion on high-quality papers. Practical implications In small batch production, rapid setup is increasingly essential. Clarifying the research focus and main improvement methods is of great significance for enterprises to meet the changing market needs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first literature review on rapid setup. It is decided to consider a detailed set of data for better introspection and trace the history reflections and the research future in setup time.
{"title":"Setup improvement review and trend","authors":"Wen Zhang, Guohui Chen, Qiguo Gong","doi":"10.1108/ijlss-08-2022-0192","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlss-08-2022-0192","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to systematically understand the development of rapid setup, quantitatively analyze the landscape and reveal new trends and challenges.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Based on 192 literature studies (1987–2021) collected from Scopus and Google Scholar, the papers are classified by: publication time and source; research type and data analysis of papers; pattern of authorship and country; sector-wise focus of the paper; improvement method used in the setup. And CiteSpace is used to analyze the cooccurrence and timeline of keywords.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000There has been substantial progress in the past 35 years, including the rapid growth in the number of papers, the expansion in different disciplines, the participation of developing countries, the application in the service industry and the significant impact of setup on cost. And there are still some deficiencies.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000There is concern that Google Scholar lacks the quality control needed for its use as a bibliometric tool. Future work is encouraged to conduct an in-depth discussion on high-quality papers.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000In small batch production, rapid setup is increasingly essential. Clarifying the research focus and main improvement methods is of great significance for enterprises to meet the changing market needs.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first literature review on rapid setup. It is decided to consider a detailed set of data for better introspection and trace the history reflections and the research future in setup time.\u0000","PeriodicalId":48601,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Lean Six Sigma","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48549050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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